First Airplane Ride

We've been travelling as a family but mostly road and boat trips within Cebu and Visayas/Mindanao. 

Last September, the whole family flew out of Cebu to Manila for my sister's church wedding in Batangas. It was the first time for us to be on the same flight with my family, siblings and the kids. 

It was also Zabbie's first airplane ride. She was very excited to the point of being scared and threw tantrums before leaving home. She said she just wants to stay home with her yaya. Eventually, we were able to pacify her telling her stories about seeing cotton candy clouds up in the air. 

She was smiling the whole duration of the flight while checking out the magazines and reading airline reminders. She was also brave enough to go to the restroom while up in the air. 

At the tube and being an independent girl

Checking out the In-Flight Magazine

See? Cotton Candy Clouds

Playing Hide and Seek with the magazine

She gets the window seat, of course!

View from the Top

 I wish for more airplane rides and travels such as these. If time and money permits, I am wishing for more local and international travels with the kids especially now that they're grown-up and may already appreciate travelling, visiting new places and experiencing fun-filled adventures with the whole family. 

Tribute to the Supporters

I really missed this space. There are days when you feel that facebook and instagram have become too mainstream and you feel the need to go back to your roots, to your original sounding board, to that space where only quite a few really take a peek. Today is one of those days and I never felt so guilty to have foresaken this space.

So now, I am making a comeback with a vengeance haha. I've been keeping promises I couldn't really keep like writing in this journal from time to time. I always fail miserably. This is my humble attempt to keep that fire burning. Here we go...

The Cobra Ironman 70.3 happened more than a week ago and it still feels surreal that finally my husband conquered it and had it off his bucket list. The stage wife that I am couldn't be more proud of this achievement. The road to ironman is not an easy feat not only for the triathletes but also to their so-called supporters - wives, partners, girlfriends, children or probably the next door neighbor. In this post, I will not be speaking on the triathlete's perspective but on a supporter's point of view. It may look easy to just cheer on the sidelines but I tell you, we also had our share of "laspag" moments.

We have to endure extreme weather conditions - staying under the heat of the sun or under a drizzle during races just to take good photos of our triathlete. We also get our share of dehydration, tan lines and sunburn (yes, in that order). Our muscles also ache when we are made to carry stuff, a sportsbag perhaps with the triathlete's essentials - water, extra clothes, running shoes, cleats, helmet, bike pump or extra tires. We also get those jitters at the start of the race. We mentally recite the Holy Rosary and call on all the saints to give our triathlete a safe race. Our sigh of relief may not be as loud as our cheer but yes, everytime our triathlete gets out of those rough waters or arrive at the transition area, we give out a huge sigh of relief and thank the heavens above. At the end of every race, we are often the designated driver as our triathlete is way too beat up to even hold that steering wheel. These and more are the many sacrifices that supporters do.

We do this out of sheer love and dedication to our triathlete. We do this because we want them to have a good race and to finish strong. Afterall, they've worked their muscles out just to finish their race of a lifetime. We don't really mind the lost family time during practice and simulations. We can't complain about the heat or how heavy (and expensive) your stuff is on our shoulders. We're not even close to freaking out everytime you get grumpy or stressed prior to race day.

To our dear triathletes, we are your unsung heroes, your staunch supporters, your PA, your prayer warriors, your benefactors (your expensive gears are taking a toll in our grocery budget), your no. 1 fan and WE'RE LOVING EVERY BIT OF IT. We will be behind you every race because accept it, no one else will. Someday, please learn to also return the favor as what Sen. Pia Cayetano once said. We really don't mind a quiet dinner at some fancy resto or a shopping spree if we get lucky or as simple as a kiss and hug after every race. We're not really that hard to please. Cheerio!!! 😃

I just have to let it out once and for all...

I know this isn't my battle as this concerns mainly my husband, the founder of the group but for someone who is instrumental in the creation of this baby, I feel a pang of pain. What have we done wrong? It feels like everyone is against us and we're the villain in this teleserye. I've been telling myself over and over again not to be affected and just rise above this little drama. But you can't help feeling frustrated and furious especially if some of the rumors being spread about your husband aren't really true and just pure speculations and a product of someone's negative thoughts and emotions. Our patience has been tested and this backstabbing son-of-b*tch who claims himself "founder" has been challenging us non-stop with his nasty facebook posts, tweets and talks behind our backs. 

We want to keep our distance from the group and just keep mum about the issue BUT it doesn't mean that the other party is right. We just want PEACE and just let time take its course and heal all wounds. This isn't worth our time and energy. We have more important and larger than life issues to deal with. And besides, there's really no point defending as we have been judged already. But someday, the truth shall come out. For now, we will move on with our lives. We are just contented to know that there are a few people out there (two or three perhaps) who believed in us. 

We continue to PRAY for YOU that God may touch your heart and that you will STOP with whatever evil deeds you've been doing just to destroy my husband. You can keep the group if that's the ONLY way for you to SHINE. But you can never change nor twist history...that you were NEVER there on March 18, 2011 at exactly 1:03am when the group was created. You and the rest of the founding members were just added to the group. Yes, you may have contributed to the growth of the group and you were given credit for that BUT it doesn't mean that you own the group, that you can poison the minds of the members just to feed your swollen ego. 

THAT'S IT....I just have to stop now because this isn't really worth my wrinkles and high blood pressure! And I also need to be reminded about this....

"Learning to ignore things is one of the great paths to inner peace"

Robert J. Sawyer

2012 Christmas Diaries (Part 1)

December... it's one of the busiest yet the happiest seasons of the year. Despite the heavy traffic and the long ques at the counters, Christmas will always be my favorite time of the year. There are the parties and gatherings to look forward to. It's also a time when people really make an effort to dress up and doll up. 

As a write this, it's already the 26th of December and the merry-making just concluded thus the title. But of course, there's the New Year Celebration to look forward to but that deserves another post.

So, I'm coming up with a blow by blow chronicle of my Christmas celebrations to constantly remind me of the joy that the season brings...

A Reminder...

I just have to write it down here to remind myself...

That I am not perfect.
That I am stupid.
That I am invincible.
That I am capable of hurting.
That I am not worth it.
That I could be the worst person in this world.
That being brushed off is painful.

BUT...

I continue to FORGIVE myself.

My Online Shop

Not known to all, I also maintain an online shop in Facebook called UKAY CEBU which I started almost 2 years ago with my sisters. It's a shop for preloved and ukay items such as clothes, shoes, bags, belts etc. The idea was inspired by the The Fab Grab at Multiply who also sells second hand and ukay clothes. With a thousand pesos in our wallet, we bought several items in Carbon, took pictures with Magee as the model and upload them in Facebook. It was well accepted by some friends and our Batch 1 was SOLD OUT in less than a week. We'll, that's how we started and the rest they say is history. 

The shop is now on its Batch 66. I admit that there were times when I really get frustrated especially when the shop still has a lot of unsold items. It's really a risk but usually we would just give them away or keep them for ourselves. Most days, we get lucky to have sold the entire batch. We don't really care much about the profit -- we're not even keeping a record of our expenses versus income. The most important thing is that we're enjoying what we do despite the risks. It's also like a bonding session with my sisters. You just imagine our excitement while waiting for the bundle to be opened. And we have so much fun during styling and photoshoots. We share the load as well --- somebody will take care of the ironing the clothes, the photographer, post process the photos and uploading in Facebook. Somebody also takes care of the kitchen to make sure that we're not working on an empty stomach. It's what we call "division of labor". Afterall, we also share the benefits --- the model gets to have one free item of her choice, it's where we get my siblings' daily allowance and it takes care of my daily ride to and from the office. 

We also get to meet new friends. Everyday, we get several friend requests from people we don't even know.  We now have more than 700 friends in Facebook --- some we know and others are merely strangers. We try as much to get to know them especially during meet ups and some of them would really come back and purchase again. 

It's not really our bread and butter as we maintain full time jobs but this hobby turned business keeps our sanity in tacked and has served as a stress-reliever. Whenever we hear the word "ukay", everything seems to  brighten up and we always look forward to that weekend ukay adventure. 

Click the link below to visit our online shop:

Boracay Series: Our Accommodation

Before embarking on this trip, hubby made some little research (well, it wasn't just a little research coz he spent sleepless nights on this) on where we could get a cheap yet cozy accommodation in Boracay. We have to thank Google for leading us to some best secrets as told by bloggers http://jenniyawanders.blogspot.com and http://justwandering.org. 

After several discussions with arguments on the side, hubby and I finally decided to book at Namaste Guesthouse less than 5 days before our trip. I called up a number we found in Google and inquired on how to make reservations. They asked for my email address and from there we communicated via email. A certain Net Sacapano sent me a statement of account and where/how I could pay the deposit. We were quoted Php3,000 for a 3-night stay  with breakfast for two - a really good deal. Three days before our trip, I made sure that we already paid the 50% requirement to guarantee our room and sent the deposit slip via email. I was told that after paying, a confirmation will be sent to my email, but on the day of the trip, I still didn't receive the confirmation. But it didn't matter since I have the deposit slip as proof.  

From D'Mall, we walked for 5 minutes to get to the place. There's a small alley right smack in the middle of Station 2 where you can find a compound of guesthouses. We were supposed to stay at Namaste Guesthouse but there were some repairs done on that side of the compound. We were then directed to Tan's Guesthouse still inside that compound. We were told that they have the same owner so we didn't bother complaining especially when we finally checked in to our room...

We were assigned to Room # 8 at the 2nd floor. The room has two huge beds (of course we only occupied one bed *wink*), cable TV, hot and cold shower, a closet and a mini ref. The room is so huge I think it can accommodate 4 people. I guess it's true what they say about the number 8...we felt lucky having that room. Come to think of it, the place is just a stone's throw away or 20 steps more or less from the white beach and very near D' Mall and other restos/bars. 

We had daily breakfasts at the roof desk served before 10am. Nothing fancy though --- we had the usual breakfast menu. My favorite is of course the tapsilog paired with brewed coffee. 

...And now we're set for this Boracay escapade! 

Cheers to 10 Years

"Being together isn't about a honeymoon. It's about the real you and me. I want to wake up with you beside me in the morning, I want to spend my evenings looking at you across the dinner table. I want to share every mundane detail of my day with you and hear every detail of yours. I want to laugh with you and fall asleep with you in my arms. Because you aren't just someone I loved back then. You were my best friend, my best self, and I can't imagine giving that up again..." 

- Nicholas Sparks -

Last August 3, Earl and I celebrated our 10th year wedding anniversary in Boracay Island no less. I was able to score a piso fare deal from Cebu Pacific last February for a flight from Cebu to Iloilo (and back). Being with each other on that beautiful island on our 10th wedding anniversary is our gift to each other. The weather in Boracay didn't cooperate though as it was windy and there were rain showers most of the time. We also didn't get the chance to swim and enjoy the beach as the waves were very huge and unsafe for swimming. Nevertheless, we still enjoyed each other's company for 4 days. We went out and party the Boracay way hopping from one bar to another and getting wasted after --- something that we haven't done together in years. 

Until now, I am still amazed at how far we've come in this marriage. Fact remains that we're two different personalities combined and though at times we clash and collide, we remain steadfast in our commitment, love and respect for each other. I give credit to my husband for putting up with me and my imperfections all these years. 

So, cheers to 10 years dad --- more blissful years to come!!!

Fifty Shades

Last week, I felt that I am inside a bubble that is "Fifty Shades Trilogy". I got stuck in the world of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey...I guess everyone in the office too. I'm not going to make a book review since I don't really do book reviews in this space. Just allow me to share my thoughts and feelings about this book that created a brouhaha worldwide...

I think for a while, I fell in love with Christian Grey --- who wouldn't? He's super rich, he's HOT, he's SEXY, he's extremely sweet and even if he's f*cked-up and destroyed, Anastasia still sticks it out with him. I love their short email exchanges --- sometimes funny and some just plain sweet. And myged, how he showered Anastasia with expensive gifts, travels and just about everything a girl could dream of. Don't even mention about the sex...he just knows the right buttons to press here.

Although, I felt that the erotic pages is just too much too many and the BDSM is something I don't really fancy about. It's just twisted and hard core for me. 

But still I love the 3 books in totality I could read it over and over and over again. I can't wait for the movie --- I just hope they don't make a porn out of it.

Laters, baby!

DAY 15: WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF?

Well, there’s a lot really. In fact, I’m not really a big fan of myself…

For starters, I admit that I am a pessimist. I sweat out the small stuff to the point of being nega all the time. Although, I don’t really blurt out the negativity into the open and sometimes I just keep all the nega vibes all to myself. 

I am pretentious in a sense that I hide what I feel to avoid hurting other people or stirring up a fight or destroying a relationship. I don’t like this about myself because it’s like there’s a huge ball that’s stuck inside my throat and it’s making me hard to breathe. 

I am a bitch. Yes, I could be a bitch for the right reasons but it’s something that I am not really comfortable with. I am known to being maldita in the office and I hate it that people distance themselves from me because of that. Being maldita is a wall that I build around myself so people will not hurt me or will keep it easy on me. 

I am very generous to the extent of leaving nothing for myself. Yeah, it's okay to be generous but sometimes I give out too much that I am placed in a situation where I am left with nothing. 

I think these are the things that I really hate about myself. I try as much to change these bad traits if you would call it but I'm taking it one step at a time. 

DAY 14: WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF?

This is really a tough question as I don't want to sound narcissistic but as what I mentioned in this post, I will start to embrace and accept myself. Okay, here's what I really like most about myself...

* I'm not an empty shell. I think of myself as one smart ass (sorry for the language)
* I am kind-hearted. Despite this maldita face, I bleed at the sight of poor children and beggars on the street.
* I am perfectionist in a good kind of way. I don't settle for less and I would always go for awesome and amazing when it comes to the things I do.
* I am loving. Again, behind this maldita face is really a loving person. I have a lot to give to people who deserves it.

I think there are still a lot of nice things about myself that I haven't acknowledged yet. I will leave it to others to discover and unleash these nice things about ME.

DAY 13: Have you ever had your heart broken? Have you ever broken a heart?

I'm so back...I hope I can keep up with this challenge I put upon myself and this blog several months ago. Despite the interruptions, I always go back to what I really love doing --- BLOGGING! So, here I am still up for the challenge...again!

HAVE YOU EVER HAD YOUR HEART BROKEN? HAVE YOU EVER BROKEN A HEART?

I've only had two relationships - the first one with my first boyfriend and the second one is with my husband. My first relationship lasted for almost three years. He was a childhood friend. Being in a relationship for the first time, I was all positive and was in for the long haul but he had other plans and he left me hanging. He was my first heartbreak but I've moved on after that.

My relationship with my husband wasn't perfect. We had our share of ups and downs before we tied the knot. At some point, he also broke my heart a couple of times. But I guess, being brokenhearted isn't really the end of the world. And I believe that hearts really don't break...it only gets a little piercing here and there but it will return to its proper shape and will beat again.

As to the next question...yes, I think I broke my father's heart when I married early. He had bigger dreams for me but I fail him big time. I tried to mend his broken heart by proving to him that I made the right decision. I think, it has totally healed seeing what I have achieved and just seeing his grandchildren.

Turning 33 Today

Today, I turned 33!

Nothing really fancy happened...no surprises, no celebrations to speak with but not at all crappy . I guess, when we add more years to our age, we don't feel very excited about it. But with facebook, everybody remembers your birthday and you could just imagine the overflow of greetings in my FB Wall. I feel very blessed having friends from everywhere. I know I am always noted for being maldita and snob but I think people have look past the tiger looks. They realized that I am really a nice person thus the greetings. 

I posted in FB Timeline "Do not regret growing older. It's a privilege denied to many. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SELF!!!"

TRUE...we should be happy to add another year to our age instead of complaining that we're way past the calendar. Come to think of it, the other side of the coin, which is death, is not at all that exciting. Okay, before I go morbid with this post allow me to share how I spent my 12, 405 days on earth.

Since I was on birthday leave, I had several plans on how to spent the day.

I wanted to use the Club Ultima gift certificates that Ms. O gave me but they're quite full this day. So, I just tagged along hubby who was looking for a laptop to buy. He treated me to a simple lunch at Ted's Batchoy...yeah, I'm low maintenance like that!

Then after getting the doc stamps from the ever trusty Junbelle, hubby brought me to LTO Cebu City so I could finally pick-up Magee's driver's license certificate. Then I passed by Sto. Rosario Church to say thank you to Jesus for another year, for the many blessings and for pampering me all these years. 

At 3pm, I've got nothing more to do so I went straight to my granny's house (husband's grandfather) in Mambaling to have my curls re-touched by Ronel. I just keep mum about my birthday so they never know. 

Here's the result...

Finally took the leap to transform my hair from the boring straight to these sexy curls. I just don't know until when the curls will stay. I hope it stays for long so I get to enjoy this new look quite longer... 

My husband and I stayed a bit at his grandfather's house. After granny's stayed in ICU for a month, we make it a point to visit him now that he's finally home-confined.  

When we reached home past 11pm, we were met by this poster in our wall...and with that my birthday is already complete!

Thank You 2011

It's the time of the year once again when we bid goodbye to one good year and say hello to another year.

2011 was a mixed of happiness, pain, drama, stress, struggles, success, celebrations, hellos and goodbyes. I mentioned in my 2010 post that 2011 will be all about RUNNING. And yes, it was a wonderful running journey and despite the negative stuff, I still survived the year and have a lot of things to be grateful about.

Survived being PAS President and left a good mark to the association (I guess...)

Traveled to the beautiful Palawan and Bohol with my loved ones

Having healthy and beautiful children

Having a loving and supportive husband

Healed past wounds and nurtured friendships

Though the year sucks in many ways, I am still hopeful that everything will be great with God's constant guidance. I am still a work in progress and there's still so much room for improvement. 

...and now here's my wish for myself and everyone I love from the words of no less than, Neil Gaiman

"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.

…I hope you will have a wonderful year, that you’ll dream dangerously and outrageously, that you’ll make something that didn’t exist before you made it, that you will be loved and that you will be liked, and that you will have people to love and to like in return. And, most importantly (because I think there should be more kindness and more wisdom in the world right now), that you will, when you need to be, be wise, and that you will always be kind." -- New Year's Benediction by Neil GaimanCHEERS TO 2012!!!

Day 11: Who Can't You Live Without?

For now, I can't live without my husband, my children, my sisters and brother and my parents. But I know, someday they will leave me but my world doesn't end there. But for the purpose of this post, I cannot imagine what my daily routine would be without these two "kasambahay" - Anna and Tina.

Day 10: A Dream for the Future

I've been thinking long and hard about this particular challenge. They say that we need to DREAM BIG DREAMS but as I reflect more about it, my dreams are not really larger than life. They're simple, practical and attainable. Allow me to share these...

* To be able to buy what I want and need without looking at price tags

* To finish another degree (law, masteral, culinary or IT-related course)

* To be able to build our dream house in our dream community

* To be able to drive my dream car 

* To live until a hundred years old

* To see my children succeed in their chosen field, settle down and have kids

* To run a successful business

* To be able to publish a book

* To be admired by people I meet in this life

* To travel around the world with my husband

There you go...just a few of my unfulfilled dreams. I continue to dream everyday with a little prayer in my heart. Who knows, they might just come true.

Palawan Experience: Part 3 (The Baywalk)

After a tiring Underground River tour, we were itching to go on ukay shopping. We saw a couple of ukay shops in Puerto Princesa and the ukay addicts that we are, we were giddy! But first, our last dinner in Puerto Princesa was at Balinsasaw again.

We were so full that we decided to just walk 1 kilometer to another famous spot in PP --- the Baywalk.

They have interesting designs for their lamp posts --- I wonder if they're not overpriced just like what we had in Cebu hehehe.

Peacock

Fishes

Rented these old school bikes at P20 per hour...

It's like being a kid all over again!

After cycling around the Baywalk for hours and some minor accidents on the side, we went back to the pension house to freshen up and start packing up for tomorrow's flight. I refused another invitation from the husband to Tiki's bar --- yeah, yeah killjoy! 

Day 9: Hopes, Dreams and Plans for the Next 365 Days

It's Day 9 of this 30-Day Blog Challenge that's been running for more than a month already. But I will finish this challenge even if this would take me a year to tick off every list. Anyway, the topic for today is about my hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days.

With just a few more days before the year 2011 wraps up, I think this challenge is very apt. 

My Hopes...

...that our life gets better everyday.
...that nobody in my family will get sick (yeah, not even fever and colds).
...that we pay off our debts.
...that we will be able to renovate the house.
...that I could increase funds in my bank account.
...that work doesn't stress the hell out of me.
...that we will be able to furnish the house with nice appliances and furniture
...that my online business gets better.
...that I will be able to upgrade my gadgets (phone, laptop, camera etc.)
...that I will be able to improve as a professional.
...that I will be a better mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend

My Dreams...

...that I will be able to drive my own car.
...that we will be able to travel as a family within the Philippines and perhaps a country in Asia (for now)
...that we will be able to renovate the house according to our "dream house"
...that I will be able to visit my sister in Italy.
...that I will be able to lose unnecessary weight.

My Plans...

...house renovation
...paying off debts
...get a passport
...get a driver's license
...attend more seminars and conferences
...aim for 21k in 2012 (then gradually increase to 42k)
...eat less, run more
...love more

There you go...just something at the top of my head for now!

Day 8: What's in My Handbag/Purse

I guess true to what my previous post is about on what my worst habit is...I've proven that indeed I'm one great procrastinator and I've been putting this 30-day blog challenge to the back seat. I was busy as hell with Christmas parties to organize left and right plus my trip to Palawan with the hubby (which, by the way deserves a separate post). But I'm back and determined to finish off the list in this challenge!

So, what's in my handbag/purse? I'm showing the latest contents of my bag...I am actually a big-bag person and it's like I'm bringing the entire house inside my bag. Well, that's an exaggeration, of course but party true. 

1. My Current Bag - an ukay find

2. My Kikay Kit - contains make-up and what-nots

3. Cheap Wallet - needs replacement by the way

4. Coin Purse 

5. Cheap Sunnies from IT Park bazaar

6. Current Book I'm Reading - Mockingjay

7. VS Cologne

8. Company ID - else the guard won't let me in the building

9. New Starbucks Organizer

Not in the photo are the following:

10. Bunch of Keys

11. Sanitary Napkin (in case the monthly visitor arrives unexpectedly)

12. Hanky

13. Wet Wipes

14. Some Papers

15. Fan

DAY 6: A Song That Makes You Cry (or Nearly)

I easily tear up whenever I hear songs that reminds me of people and events. It brings back both happy and sad memories whenever I hear these songs. But I have what I consider as my ultimate favorite song. I like the original  version though and hate the awful versions especially that of Nina hhhmmmpp...here you go!

LOVE MOVES IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS

by Julia Fordham

Who'd have thought
This is how the pieces fit?
You and I
Shouldn't even try making sense of it

I forgot
How we ever came this far
I believe we had reasons
but I don't know what they are
So blame it on my heart, oh

Love moves in mysterious ways
It's always so surprising
When love appears over the horizon
I'll love you for the rest of my days
But still, it's a mystery
How you ever came to me
Which only proves
Love moves in mysterious ways

Heaven knows
Love is just a chance we take
We make plans
But then love demands a leap of faith

So hold me close
And never let me go
'Cause even though we think we know
which way the river flows
That's not the way love goes, no

Love moves in mysterious ways
It's always so surprising
When love appears over the horizon
I'll love you for the rest of my days
But still, it's a mystery
How you ever came to me
Which only proves
Love moves in mysterious ways

Like the ticking of the clock
two hearts beat as one
But I'll never understand
the ways it's done

Love moves in mysterious ways
It's always so surprising
When love appears over the horizon
I'll love you for the rest of my days
But still, it's a mystery
How you ever came to me
Which only proves
Love moves in mysterious ways
Love moves in mysterious ways